Dr. Hughes' reserach specializes in the area
of Environmental Biotechnology, in particular
determining how the novel metabolic
capabilities of living organisms can be
harnessed to improve the environment in
which we live. Recent research projects
under Dr. Hughes' direction have focused on
how bacteria and plants metabolize
hazardous organic pollutants. In particular,
chlorinated solvents, nitroaromatic
compounds and polynuclear aromatic
hydrocarbons. The current focus of these
studies centers on interactions between
contaminant phase distribution (i.e.,
non-aqueous, sorbed, soluble) and metabolic
rates, along with the analysis of product
formation and distribution.

Ahmad, F. and J.B. Hughes "The Reactivity of Partially Reduced Metabolites of 2,4,6-Trinitrotoluene (TNT): 2, An Evaluation of the Reactivity of Arylhydroxylamines and Nitrosoarenes Towards Humic Acids." Environmental Science and Technology (Submitted, October 2001)